by Crystal Caudill | Mar 31, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the third month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to the Caribbean, and my choice of story was Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy. Interested in other Caribbean reads? Among the Reads has a great list here: https://amongthereads.net/book-setting/caribbean/
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form. Need a reminder on the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page.*
Keturah
by Lisa T. Bergren
I’ll have to admit, this one was a heavier read than I expected. I enjoyed it, but it was not a relaxing read for me. Keturah faced many challenges both past and present and was surrounded by a hard-to-watch culture of slavery. It is good as a reader to see these things and have a better understanding of the suffering endured at the hand of greed, but probably not my best choice read while already stressed out. Keturah handled it all with grace though, and her struggles were believably dealt with. I enjoyed the read, despite being stressed as I read it, but I probably would have enjoyed it more at a different period of life when not quite so stressed already. There were heavy topics addressed: slavery, marital abuse, and an affair, although the affair was lightly touched upon.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy true-to-life stories of struggle, slavery, recovery from abuse, light-touch romances with gentle heroes, and stories set in exotic locations and times.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1770s Caribbean Islands
Plot Overview:
In 1773 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father’s estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.
Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they’re determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined–and that’s just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world.
Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
Set on keeping her family together and saving her father’s plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?
What I loved: As hard as it was to read, I really appreciated the view of life for the black population of the Caribbean islands and what they endured. Fiction is always good for helping us to understand the plight of others.
Favorite Character and Why: Verity. I am really looking forward to her story. She seemed steady, owned a falcon, and she knew her mind.
Who would like this? I recommend this story to those who enjoy true-to-life stories of struggle, slavery, recovery from abuse, light-touch romances with gentle heroes, and stories set in exotic locations and times.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on April 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for March’s Challenge? What do you hope to read in April?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 28, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the first month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to Asia, and my choice of story was Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form. Need a reminder on the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page.*
Every Word Unsaid
by Kimberly Duffy
This month I had the incredible privilege of listening to Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy. She’d long been an author on my TBR pile and I was determined to use this reading challenge as an excuse to force me to pick it up. Oh my goodness! I ADORE Gussie and the whole cast of characters. Gussie is a free-spirited woman who struggles with the confines of her parents’ and society’s expectations of what a woman should be and do. She runs from place to place, taking photographs and travel articles for Ladies Weekly as means of trying to satisfy this deep longing for something more.
When scandal forces her out of the country, she escapes to India for experiences, photographs, and articles. What she finds, is a personal growth experience that transforms her into the fullness of her herself and God’s plan for her. She is forced to confront the pain of rejection for others and finds acceptance in a people in place that speaks to her soul. It is an incredibly beautiful story with a swoony hero who is atypical, but rock steady and exactly what Gussie needs in her life. While necessarily a romance story, there is plenty of romance to knock your socks off. But at the core of this story is a woman discovering who she is and accepting the fact that she is enough despite what others say about her.
I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don’t quite fit the mold of expectation, and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
Genre: Historical, 1897, New York and India
Plot Overview:
Augusta Travers has spent the last three years avoiding the stifling expectations of New York society and her family’s constant disappointment. As the nation’s most fearless–and reviled–columnist, Gussie travels the country with her Kodak camera and spins stories for women unable to leave hearth and home. But when her adventurous nature lands her in the middle of a scandal, an opportunity to leave America offers the perfect escape.
Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and escapades that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel’s sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing. But slowing down means facing all the hurts of her past that she’s long been trying to outrun. And that may be an undertaking too great even for her.
What I loved: Gussie’s whole story just pulled me along on an adventure and eye-opening experience of a world not my own. Her personality, struggles, and experiences just left me desperate to not put the book down. Or in my case, get out of the car.
Favorite Character and Why: This book has a full cast of characters that I love, but Gussie remains firm as my favorite. She is unapologetically who she is on the outside, but inside she struggles and hurts like so many of us in unseen ways. She is beautiful soul, and I loved walking her story with her.
Who would like this? I highly recommend this story to those seeking to experience other lands, real characters who also seem larger than life, love heroines and heroes who don’t quite fit the mold of expectation, and are looking for stories that go beyond entertaining to speak to your soul.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on March 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for February’s Challenge? What do you hope to read in March?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 18, 2022 | Book Reviews
*Special note: As of 2022, I will no longer be giving a star rating. Any books I review will be ones I would have rated between four and five stars. Anything less than that and the book will not be reviewed on my blog, but may be reviewed on my Goodreads account.*
To Stand in the Breach
by Danielle Grandinetti
To Stand in the Breach is a novella prequel to the Strike to the Heart Series. This fascinating story brought to light a piece of our nation’s history I’d never really had any knowledge of: the dairy strikes of the Great Depression. It really brought to life a piece of forgotten history. I really appreciated the view of both sides and the stress everyone endured. From an engagement bridging the gap of the two feuding sides, to a son of a dairy farmer who’s stuck in the middle as a neutral police office, to the life of an immigrant female veterinarian in a time that was frowned up, and the threats looming over her both from her past and in the present, it’s an engaging read. The romance between Joey and Katy was sweet and slow in a way that just makes you love Joey all the more. Throw in the danger involved on both sides and I was hooked. I look forward to following Joey’s sister in the next story, A Strike to the Heart releasing in April 2022.
Genre: Historial Romance, Wisconsin, 1833
Plot Overview:
She came to America to escape a workhouse prison, but will the cost of freedom be too high a price to pay?
1933, Wisconsin — Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life.
But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe.
Prequel novella to A Strike to the Heart, releasing April 2022 from Heritage Beacon Press/Iron Stream Media
What I loved: If you’ve followed many of my reviews, you know I’m a huge history nerd. I really loved delving into this piece of history which I pretty much had no knowledge of. I also loved how sweet and patient Joey was with Katy.
Favorite Character and Why: Katy was so real and believable. Her strength of character and her flaws were so real and relatable, plus you get that touch of Irish culture and speech.
Who would like this? Readers who like exploring obscure times in history, a splash of danger, and romances that are sweet and patient will really enjoy this story.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Barnes & Noble
Are you familiar with the dairy strikes of the Great Depression? What other books have you read that you’d recommend from this time period.
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 31, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the first month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to Africa, and my choice of story was Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form. Need a reminder on the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page.*
Jewel of the Nile
by Tessa Afshar
This month’s review is a combination of my review (section below the line) and Phyllis’s from AmongtheReads.net as we both read the same book. You can see not only Among the Read’s Full Review HERE, but you can also take a look through some beautiful graphics of her favorite quotes. I highly recommend it!
From Among the Reads:
When I first saw this title, I thought it was from a much earlier time period and a different country. Which wouldn’t have mattered, I really enjoy Tessa Afshar’s writing and would have read it regardless. Intrigued by the synopsis, I was eager to learn more.
I was transported to another time and place from the very start. And fascinated by the plight of Gemina and her husband, who were introduced in the prologue. I quickly became fully invested in the characters and knew that I had to follow their story to its conclusion!
I struggled a little with reading the name Chariline at first. Then I realized that her name was Greek and therefore assumed the “ch” would be pronounced like “k” as in charis – therefore read it as “Caroline”. It made the rest of the reading much easier!
Chariline had such a sad background! My heart went out to the orphan who was despised by her grandfather due to her mixed heritage and the rebellion she represented to him and merely tolerated by the aunt who raised her. When she discovered that her father was still living, I didn’t blame her at all for wanting to discover his identity and was impressed by the bold way she continued to search for him.
As much as I admired Chariline, I adored Theo! He was so fascinating. When he discovered her as a stowaway on his ship, he was so kind to her and possessed the servant heart Jesus desires from His followers!
One of my favorite less-known New Testament characters played a minor, though significant, role and I loved reading the author’s depiction of him! The conjecture the author made about his backstory was interesting and unexpected. I was fascinated to learn more about the plight of the God-fearers desiring to worship and yet were forbidden access to the temple. The circumstances that led him to feel insignificant were very moving.
A level of suspense and mystery filled the pages as Chariline’s search took place and Theo had to protect her from an unexpected threat. And as both learned to find their value in Christ alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched story. And as it contained characters from other books by Tessa Afshar also set during this time period, including Theo, it made me want to go back and re-read The Thief of Corinth and Daughter of Rome! It is not necessary to read them all together but it certainly would enhance the reading experience to do so.
Genre: Biblical Fiction, Roman Empire, Africa
Plot Overview:
Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.
Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.
Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.
In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters—including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.
Crystal’s Opinons
I am NOT a huge Biblical fiction reader. To the point I really really really put it off. However, once I started reading, the story never let go of me. The story, characters, mystery, danger, spiritual thread, and way of describing things have made me a Tess Afshar fan for life. I actually look forward to reading her other books.
What I loved: The plotline what not just a retelling or reimagining of some Biblical story, but a story that held merits of its own but was enhanced by the connections to real Biblical characters.
Favorite Character and Why: Arkamani was a fun little boy who makes lots of appearances in the story and adds levity to stressful scenes. I loved all the characters, but I especially looked forward to his appearances on the page.
Who would like this? Those who like stories written in beautiful language and imagery that pull you wholy and completely into the setting. Also, those who loves stories of intrigue, danger, and romance with spiritual arcs that feel genuine and natural and even personal. I’d even recommend this book to those who are hesitant to try Biblical fiction.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on February 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for January’s Challenge? What do you hope to read in February?
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 4, 2022 | Book Reviews
Beyond These War-torn Lands
by Cynthia Roemer
The Civil War is a complicated time in history and far from black and white. Not every Confederate was a villain and not every Unionist a hero, and depending on where you live today, the opposite might be the light they are cast in. Either way, humans are involved, and, let’s face it, humans are complicated people. That is why I love this story so well. The characters displayed on both sides of the War were real, messy, and trying to do what they believed best for their families and their country. As a reader, you didn’t have to agree with them, but you understood where each character came from, and that is so important for developing an understanding of and interacting with people of opposing viewpoints today.
Caroline is a young woman who wants to help others, but her faith and societal beliefs are challenged when she stumbles upon an enemy soldier who will die without her intervention. Her choice to be Christ-like and to hide and care for the Union soldier puts her and her family in a dangerous position while opening both her and Sargent Gallagher’s eyes to aspects of the War neither had previously considered. Although eventually separated by circumstances and war, the love these two developed for each other holds steadfast and true while pushing them to become better individuals. This is a story where readers become and grow with the characters through circumstances no one wants to endure. Faith and viewpoints will be challenged, and readers will walk away thinking about the character long after the story has ended.
I recommend this story to those who enjoy Civil War history, want characters who are challenged and grow as individuals and couples, and want romances that are sweet but enduring.
Genre: Historical Romance, Civil War 1864 – Maryland & Virginia
Plot Overview:
The War brought them together ~ Would it also tear them apart?
While en route to aid Confederate soldiers injured in battle near her home, Southerner Caroline Dunbar stumbles across a wounded Union sergeant. Unable to ignore his plea for help, she tends his injuries and hides him away, only to find her attachment to him deepen with each passing day. But when her secret is discovered, Caroline incurs her father’s wrath and, in turn, unlocks a dark secret from the past which she is determined to unravel.
After being forced to flee his place of refuge, Sergeant Andrew Gallagher fears he’s seen the last of Caroline. Resolved not to let that happen, when the war ends, he seeks her out, only to discover she’s been sent away. When word reaches him that President Lincoln has been shot, Drew is assigned the task of tracking down the assassin. A chance encounter with Caroline revives his hopes, until he learns she may be involved in a plot to aid the assassin.
What I loved: The realness of the characters’ struggles really drew me in, especially Andrew’s as a soldier. The horrors of war were made real, and the struggle between wrong, right, and what is necessary were equally felt. It really brought to life a part of history that is hard to wrap my head around.
Favorite Character and Why: I really loved Andrew. He was steadfast yet did not cower from having his beliefs challenged. He was a man who allowed God to work in him, and always strove to do what was right, even at the potential cost of his life.
Who would like this? I recommend this story to those who enjoy Civil War history, want characters who are challenged and grow as individuals and couples, and want romances that are sweet but enduring.
Special Notes: This was one of the best stories written from a soldier’s perspective that I’ve read in a long time. Also the handling of opposing viewpoints was masterfully done and not glazed over.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Indiebound.org
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 31, 2021 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
Welcome to the LAST month of the Unlocking the Past 2021 Reading Challenge. This month focused on YOUR favorite time period, and my choice of story was Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman. Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form.*
![Stealing Jake by [Pam Hillman]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515Ps5MUFbL.jpg)
Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman
I picked up this book on clearance because it hit some of my favorite story elements for a fun read: a lawman, crime rings, a reformed criminal, and orphans. I wasn’t familiar with Pam Hillman, but after reading this, I will definitely look into some of her other books and novellas. While I wouldn’t say there were any unexpected plot twists, it was a fun and engaging story that I will likely reread in the future.
I loved the premise behind the criminal ring of street children being bought for use in sweatshops. I hadn’t read a story that touched on that dark side of our history (and let’s be honest, it is still going on today in a different format), and I really enjoyed seeing the town’s opinion of those kids change over the course of the story. As a former street kid and current sweatshop escapee, Livy’s and Luke’s perspectives really added to the understanding of these kids’ plight that garners compassion for a group that is easily written off. The tension between the romance was on the lighter side, but it was fun watching Livy and Jake fall in love and overcome the obstacles of prejudice and fear that stand between them.
Overall, I’d recommend this story for those looking for a light read, and those who enjoy criminal plots, lawmen heroes, sweet romances, and stories where communities learn to accept a previously rejected group of kids.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1874 Illinois
Plot Overview:
When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.
Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy—literally while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town—as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off—Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.
What I loved: I loved the plot with the street children and how the town’s view of the kids changed throughout the book.
Favorite Character and Why: I really enjoyed all the street kids and orphan kids as a whole. Luke in particular was one who will live on in my memory for a while. He really struggled to help those still stuck in the sweatshop while trying to save his brother. Learning to trust was hard for him, but I loved how resourceful and determined he was. He’ll make a great hero one day.
Who would like this? I’d recommend this story for those looking for a light read, and those who enjoy criminal plots, lawmen heroes, sweet romances, and stories where communities learn to accept a previously rejected group of kids.
Rating and Why: Four Stars. I enjoyed the storyline and characters and the character arcs were satisfactory. It was a good read that kept my attention but was easy to set down and pick back up when family interruptions occurred–even if those interruptions still annoyed me.
PURCHASE LINKS
*This is an older book that if you choose to purchase will probably be used, on clearance, or an ebook.
Amazon Barnes & Noble Christianbook.com
Monthly Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on January 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
End of the Year Giveaway
Each time you commented on what book you read, I added your entry to my database. After all entries are added after December 7th, I will draw the winner for the 12 books and announce it in a post after contacting the winner. So don’t forget to get your last entry in before January 7th.
What did YOU read in December? Will you be participating in the 2022 Challenge? (Details here.)
